MICHAEL ‘MIK’ SMITH FROM HAVERFORDWEST JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN PEMBROKESHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Haverfordwest and the wider Pembrokeshire area, Michael ‘Mik’ Smith, aged 49, has been sentenced to six years in prison following his conviction for a series of heinous child sex offences. The sentencing took place at Swansea Crown Court on a recent Tuesday, bringing a measure of justice for a young victim and highlighting serious concerns about safeguarding failures within local authorities.

Smith, who was once employed as a youth worker in Pembrokeshire, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a male child under the age of 13. The offences included sexually assaulting the boy, inciting him to engage in sexual activities, and taking indecent photographs of the child. Additionally, Smith admitted to possessing a staggering 1,136 indecent images of children, a revelation that underscores the severity of his criminal conduct.

The case came to light after the boy’s parents grew increasingly worried about their son’s wellbeing and reported their concerns to authorities. It was during this investigation that Smith’s criminal activities were uncovered. Despite his previous employment with Pembrokeshire Youth Service and later Pembrokeshire Youth Action Service, Smith was dismissed from his position in 2012 following complaints from children about inappropriate touching. However, the full extent of his misconduct was only revealed during the recent trial.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson explained that all but one of the offences were committed against the same young boy. He detailed how Smith, known locally as Mik Smith, had continued to groom the child even after his dismissal, using his influence and support from some community members to manipulate the victim for his own sexual gratification. The court heard that Smith’s actions were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of predatory behaviour.

Following the sentencing, Pembrokeshire County Council issued a statement emphasizing that justice had been served for the vulnerable young person involved. The council also clarified that at the time of the offences, Smith was not employed by the local authority, and an internal inquiry did not reveal any other allegations of abuse during his employment. They acknowledged, however, that there were significant disciplinary failings within the council’s education directorate in 2005, when Smith was first under scrutiny for inappropriate behaviour. An investigation conducted jointly with Dyfed-Powys Police at that time found no criminal activity, but the council admitted that the disciplinary procedures were inadequate.

The authority further explained that these issues were brought to light by national inspectorates in 2011, prompting formal intervention and a complete overhaul of their procedures and management within the education department. They expressed confidence that such failings would not recur today and urged anyone with concerns to contact officials at 01437 776444 or police at 101. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and rigorous safeguarding measures to protect children from predators like Michael ‘Mik’ Smith, whose actions have left a lasting impact on the community of Haverfordwest and beyond.